LBDA Launches New Publication for People
with Lewy Body Dementia

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA, January 5, 2009 – The Lewy Body Dementia Association’s (LBDA) latest publication, An Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia, provides easy-to-read clinical information on Lewy body dementia (LBD) in a patient-friendly manner. This booklet was made possible by a generous grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and through the guidance of LBDA’s Scientific Advisory Council (SAC).

An Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia provides information about:

the symptoms of LBD;

treatment options, including helpful information on medications and LBD;

what to do if someone hasn’t received a diagnosis; and

the first steps to take after receiving a diagnosis.

According to Carol F. Lippa, M.D., Chair, LBDA’s SAC, “Our increased longevity is associated with a greater number of individuals who develop dementia. These individuals experience a wide variety of cognitive and behavioral symptoms, and caregivers and physicians are often at a loss for the safest and most effective management strategies.

Millions of individuals are affected by Lewy body dementia, yet it is amongst the hardest of dementia-related disorders to manage. The Lewy Body Dementia Association’s patient booklet summarizes clinical features and some key points regarding Lewy body dementia, which will lead to improved care and reduced disease burden.”

The booklet also includes a detachable medical alert wallet card to help ensure proper medical care in case of an emergency. The card contains a website address, www.lbda.org/go/ER, designed to provide detailed information to physicians about treating LBD psychosis.

Click here to download both the Spanish and English versions of the booklet, as well as the medical alert wallet card. Copies can also be obtained at all local offices of the Area Agency on Aging (650 locations) and Title VI offices for the Native American aging program (240 locations). (AAA and Title VI offices can be found at http://www.n4a.org/about-n4a/?fa=aaa-title-VI.)

For further information on ordering copies of An Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia or ordering extra medical alert cards, please contact the LBDA National Office at lbda@lbda.org or call 404.935.6444.

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The Lewy Body Dementia Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the Lewy body dementias (LBD), supporting patients, their families and caregivers, and promoting scientific advances. The Association’s purposes are charitable, educational and scientific. For further information contact lbda@lbda.org or call 404.935.6444.